1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stern
Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
The conversations came as a surprise given Rubio’s stern criticism of the Castro regime’s human rights abuses and the lack of freedom of expression inside the country.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
The vessel offers up a distinctive sloping stern and a sweeping superstructure—as well as a ton of glass aboard for a bright interior, just like its cousin Navetta 35.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stern
Adjective
Star-studded, and then some, the upcoming show boasts giant of stage and screen John Lithgow as Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer as stern but wise Professor Minerva McGonagall, and comedy stalwart Nick Frost as gentle oaf Rubeus Hagrid.
—Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
The conversations came as a surprise given Rubio’s stern criticism of the Castro regime’s human rights abuses and the lack of freedom of expression inside the country.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
Eventually, half a dozen people are able to heave the thrashing manatees onto the boat, sliding the mother and calf up into the open stern and the slippery deck.
—ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
The vessel offers up a distinctive sloping stern and a sweeping superstructure—as well as a ton of glass aboard for a bright interior, just like its cousin Navetta 35.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern
Adjective
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Minnesota also implemented stricter regulations around those products because of the federal prohibition, such as where consumers can buy them.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The design process took more than five years, a negotiation between the city’s strict hydraulic requirements and the neighborhood’s shifting wishes; the result was something no one had pictured in advance.—
Eric Klinenberg,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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As Liborio, an orphan who risked his life to cross the border and ended up living in the attic of a bookstore thanks to the kindness of the gruff owner, Chief (Eddie Marsan), the actor plays a narrator who consistently breaks the fourth wall.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
18 Mar. 2026
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As Woody Harrelson detailed Harrison Ford's accomplishments from the Actors Awards stage, the famously gruff actor seemed to squirm in his seat, somehow uncomfortable with praise even at the age of 83.—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The cost of the six-story hotel with its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture came in at nearly $1 million, or more than $18 million in today’s money, and featured marble floors, private baths, steel beams, and an electric elevator.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
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Puryear has created an outdoor sculpture to honor the late civil rights activist and congressman John Lewis via Bending the Arc, a 34-foot-long beam that Puryear hand-carved in wood and then was 3D-scanned and fabricated in stainless steel.—
Maximilíano Durón,
ARTnews.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The lawyers also argue that Combs' sentence was too harsh, saying the trial judge wrongly based it in part on a conclusion that the crimes involved fraud and coercion and that Combs was a leader or organizer of criminal activity.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
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Focused on a 2021 expedition in which Icelandic climber John Snorri Sigurjónsson and the Pakistani father-and-son team Ali and Sajid Sadpara attempt to become the first to summit K2 in winter, when conditions are at their harshest.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But Altman inspired fierce loyalty, too.—
Ronan Farrow,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Christian villagers who stayed behind in southern Lebanon, ignoring Israel’s blanket evacuation warnings for the area, have increasingly hardened into enclaves surrounded by fierce clashes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Founded by George Soros after the fall of communism, the university says the authoritarian government of Viktor Orbán forced 90% of its teaching operations out of the country in 2019, leaving behind a stark symbol of how far the nation has moved during the prime minister’s 16-year regime.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
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Reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, experts say What's branding in business is problematic in governance.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Colorado isn’t expected to hit that grim milestone until 2047.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
8 Apr. 2026
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But California’s high prices have remained a grim fact of life, especially for young people struggling to enter the housing market, despite the draw of enjoying the Golden State’s many attributes such as its natural beauty, powerful economic might and culture of innovation.—
Terry Castleman,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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As the inspirational Moon glides into your 7th House of Allies, your expressive nature invites connection, and your generous spirit lightens tough conversations.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
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One factor is that the Highlanders, a Division 3 team, haven’t faced the toughest schedule.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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